A U.S. Marine was detained at Palm Springs International Airport on Monday after authorities said airport security personnel discovered a live explosive round in his checked baggage.<\/p>\n
The ordnance, later confirmed to be a live 25 mm explosive round, was found by Transportation Security Administration<\/a> (TSA) personnel in the individual\u2019s checked baggage during the screening process around 12:05 p.m. PDT, according to a statement from the Palm Springs Police Department.<\/p>\n The Marine reportedly told police that he found the round \u201cin the field\u201d about a year ago and kept it because he did not believe it was live.<\/p>\n \u201cDue to extensive rust and corrosion, the round\u2019s original identifying paint markings were no longer visible, making it difficult to determine whether it was an inert training munition or a live explosive device,\u201d police said.<\/p>\n The Riverside County, Calif., bomb squad responded to the scene and examined the round using X-ray technology, determining it was live and not a training round. The ordnance was taken to a deserted area south of Interstate 10 and destroyed. No injuries were reported.<\/p>\n The case was referred to the Riverside County District Attorney\u2019s Office for further review regarding possible criminal charges under a California statute<\/a> that prohibits possession of \u201cany destructive device.\u201d <\/p>\n The Marine was released to military authorities and could face potential administrative action. He may also face potential civil penalties from TSA, according to police.<\/p>\n A Marine Corps spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the 1st Marine Division, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., was aware of the incident but declined to provide further information, citing a pending investigation.<\/p>\n TSA did not immediately respond to The Hill\u2019s request for comment.<\/p>\n Updated at 8:17 p.m. EDT <\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n